Ex-Blue Rock Johnny Damon to appear at Frawley Stadium

Ex-Major Leaguer Johnny Damon, who played in for the Blue Rocks in 1994, will have his Wilmington number retired as part of the festivities for the 2014 California League/Carolina League All Star Game at Frawley Stadium on June 17.

Damon will become only the second modern Blue Rock to have his number retired by the team, with Mike Sweeney being the first.

During an on-field ceremony prior to the All Star Game, Damon will have his No. 18 displayed at Frawley Stadium, along with the numbers of Sweeney, Robin Roberts, Matt Minker (managing partner, team president) and Jackie Robinson, the others who have been so-honored in Wilmington. Damon will also speak to the crowd prior to the game about his time with the Blue Rocks and his playing career in general.

"Anytime a team retires your number it is obviously a terrific honor," Damon said in a press release. "I understand the only other people to hold that distinction are two Hall of Famers [Roberts and Robinson], the team's founder [Minker] and Mike Sweeney, who is as good a man as you'll find in the game. I am incredibly grateful to join a group that includes those remarkable individuals."

Damon played 118 games for the Rocks in 1994. He batted .316 with a .399 on-base percentage, six homers and 75 RBIs. The outfielder also added 25 doubles and 13 triples that season, as he helped lead Wilmington to its first Mills Cup Championship.

The Kansas native made his Major League debut a year later with the Royals, beginning a tenure that would include stops with the Royals, A's, Red Sox, Yankees, Tigers, Rays and Indians. Damon is most famous for helping lead Boston to that franchise's first world championship in 86 years in 2004. He also played a pivotal role in the Yankees' 2009 World Series triumph. He finished his playing career with a .284 batting average, 235 homers and a .352 on-base percentage.

"I worked very hard to make the majors as a young player, and a big part of that journey was my time with the Blue Rocks," said Damon, 40. "The chance to visit the fans at Frawley Stadium was something I couldn't pass up. It should be a lot of fun."

For tickets to the 2014 California League/Carolina League All Star Game or for the Hitting Challenge on June 16, fans can call (302) 888-BLUE or visit BlueRocks.com/AllStar.